By Bri Brands
Looking for a new study spot on campus? In need of a quick snack between a long day of classes? Struggling with a topic and need a little extra help? The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to a wide variety of Academic Student Success Centers, designed to elevate students' academic careers.
New this year, during First Gen Week (Nov. 3-7), students can stamp their way to success by visiting all the centers participating in a scavenger hunt.
See a list of the centers and their different offerings below.
Actuarial Science Lab
Located on the second floor of Schaeffer Hall, the Actuarial Science Lab is a peer-supported learning environment aimed at helping students master challenging concepts by fostering collaborative problem solving and promoting a sense of belonging to the actuarial program.
During scheduled lab hours, students can simply drop in for assistance with study manuals, curated practice problems, and exam-style questions. Lab tutors provide small group tutoring and help share study strategies.
Best kept secret:
It’s not only a place to get help with coursework, but also to build meaningful connections, especially for early-year students gaining valuable insight from more experienced peers.
Center for Language and Cultural Literacy
Tucked away on the first floor of Phillips Hall is the Center for Language and Cultural Literary (CLCL)—a dynamic center full of teaching and learning opportunities and community outreach initiatives.
Resources offered by the center include tutoring sessions in nearly a dozen languages, a podcasting studio, private and small group study spaces, a recording studio, CALL and Computer Labs, and the Culture Bites Café, a large group lounge space with a kitchenette.
Fun fact:
Although not named the CLCL until 2019, the roots of the center can be traced back to 1938.
Chemistry Center
From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, any students taking chemistry courses are provided extra support through the Chemistry Center.
The center wears a lot of different hats, including coordinating office hours for TAs, authorizing student schedule changes, returning exams to students, handling make-up exams and labs, working with students with accommodations, and supporting graduate students and faculty in their work.
During the center’s open hours, students are invited to walk in at any time.
Best kept secret:
Most of the time, students don’t even have to stop in to utilize the Chemistry Center! For most things the center helps with, students can email the center directly.
Computer Science Tutors
Ahead of fall and spring semester each year, the Department of Computer Science invites students who have successfully completed any undergraduate Computer Science or Informatics course with a grade of B+ or better to become a tutor.
With a variety of supplemental offerings, the tutoring program is a great resource for students of any level. Students who are interested in receiving focused, one-on-one instruction in Computer Science courses can reach out to tutors directly.
Fun fact:
Each tutor must maintain acceptance of the department’s ethical standards for tutors, ensuring enhanced learning approaches and increased skill development for every student.
History Writing Center
The History Writing Center, staffed by history graduate students, aims to help students become both stronger writers and stronger critical thinkers. Staff at the center are available to help students read and analyze primary resources, build conceptual skills needed for history courses, and talk through the brainstorming phase of writing.
With an offering of both in-person and online appointments—including some evening hours—tutors can offer one-on-one sessions and help students break down complex prompts into more manageable pieces, organize their thoughts into outlines, and work with students through every stage of the writing process. They also offer a series of online Writing Guides, a helpful resource for the common questions history students ask.
Best kept secret:
Students can get involved at any stage in the writing process, whether it's brainstorming or a nearly finished draft—giving students the small college experience of individualized attention at a big university.
Math Tutorial Lab
The Math Tutorial Lab supports thousands of students each semester, providing one-on-one walk throughs of the space and deepening students’ understanding of math-related topics. Staffed by graduate teaching assistants and advanced undergraduate students in math-related majors, the center offers a healthy balance of experience and peer support.
In addition to offering tutoring help, the space also offers computers, printers, textbooks, and reference materials. To receive help, students can drop in any time during open hours. Those who have completed Linear/Matrix Algebra are encouraged to apply to work as tutors.
Best kept secret:
It is also an Instructional Technology Center. Students can print materials there and are welcome to stick around and enjoy the calm, comfortable atmosphere while studying.
Physics and Astronomy Help Center
Staffed by graduate students, the Physics and Astronomy Help Center on the sixth floor of Van Allen Hall is a space for students to receive additional help in their physics and astronomy courses.
During the center’s office hours posted on their website, TAs are available for walk-ins, and can answer questions regarding homework and labs, learning study skills, and reviewing course content. The space has both a larger conference and smaller side rooms for one-on-one meetings.
Best kept secret:
It can be very helpful to visit before exams to get help with studying!
School of Journalism and Mass Communications Student Center
Housed on the third floor of the Adler Journalism and Mass Communication building, the SJMC Student Center is a cozy space designed for collaboration amongst students.
With 16 Apple computers, a podcast studio, a conference room, access to all textbooks being taught in SJMC classes, a microwave, and an abundance of magazines and newspapers, students can relax, unwind, collaborate, and study all in the same room.
The center is open to all students 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday. Students can learn more about the center via the SJMC Instagram and posters in Adler.
Best kept secret:
In addition to free coffee and tea, the space has one of the best views of the Old Capitol on campus!
Statistics Tutorial Lab
Due to its location in the main library, the comfortable setting of the Statistics Tutorial Lab is open for students to work collaboratively nearby and pop in as questions arise.
Open to any student in a STAT general education course, the center offers one-on-one and group tutoring and aids with homework, projects, and more.
Best kept secret:
Its hours of operation are conveniently spread throughout the week and has already been able to help more than 2,300 students in 2025.
Writing Center
As one of the first writing centers in the country, the University of Iowa Writing Center strives to help everyone they work with become better writers, readers, and critical thinkers.
One-time or weekly appointments and online document reviews are open to all UI students, staff, and faculty members. Tutors at the center work with individuals at all stages of the writing process, helping with everything from brainstorming to draft revision.
Fun fact:
The Writing Center also staffs community writing centers at the Iowa City and Coralville public libraries for all Johnson County residents.